The Faces Behind the Na'vi Tribe of 'Avatar'

by: Wilson Morales The 3-D blockbuster 'Avatar' has already brought in more than $600 million at the box office worldwide, but many moviegoers are wondering about the faces behind the movie, specifically the Na'vi tribe. Described as 10-feet-tall indigenous blue-skinned individuals, members of the tribe make up a homogeneous group, but the actors portraying them come from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. There's co-star Zoë Saldaña , who plays Neytiri, princess of the Omaticaya, the Na'vi clan central to the story. She's attracted to Jake, a human, but is reluctant to give him her heart. Born in New Jersey, Saldaña is of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent. Playing Tsu'tey, heir to the chieftainship of the tribe and Neytiri's betrothed, Laz Alonso made his big-screen debut in 2009's 'Fast and Furious.' He also appeared in Spike Lee's 'Miracle at St.Anna's.' The Washington, D.C., native is of Afro-Cuban descent. As Mo'at, the Omaticaya's spiritual leader, Neytiri's mother and a consort of clan leader Eytukan is the wonderful Guyanese-American film and TV actress CCH Pounder, who is most recognized for her role as Det. Claudette Wyms on FX's 'The Shield' (series run, 2002-2008). Wes Studi is a Cherokee actor who has earned notability for his portrayals of Native Americans in films such as 'The Last of the Mohicans' and 'Dances With Wolves.' In 'Avatar,' he plays Eytukan, the leader of the Omaticaya, the husband of Mo'at and Neytiri's father.